Title: Stress and Burnout in Postgraduates in a Medical College
Authors: Dr Galina Lisa D’Souza, Dr Safeekh A.T., Dr Siddharth Shetty
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i11.29
Abstract
Introduction: Medicine is associated not only with a great degree of both personal and professional satisfaction, but also a high level of occupational stress and burnout. Resident doctors/trainees and faculty members, are prone to developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
Objectives:
- To understand the domains most affected with burnout and stress
- To compare stress levels among postgraduates of various years and specialties
Methods: Postgraduates (MD/MS/Diploma) from batches 2016,2017 and 2018 were given the self administered questionnaires-cohen’s perceived stress scale and copenhagen burnout inventory –personal, work and client burnout after institutional ethical approval along with dean’s approval and informed consent
Results: Highest perceived stress was seen in general surgery residents (mean score of 22) While the least was seen in Ophthalmology residents (score of14)
Maximum personal burnout was seen in General surgery residents (ie.73.9 %) followed by OBG and paediatrics whereas work burnout was again highest in general surgery(65.1%) followed by orthopaedics and paediatrics .client burnout, OBG(80.33) was the highest followed by general surgery (51.1%) Perceived stress was higher among the juniors when compared to the seniors.
Conclusion: Stress and Burnout was more in surgical than medical fields. Stress is one of the major growing mental problems among highly educated health professional and it should not be ignored as it can cause many other health issues. Institutions and national policy makers should take into account this unsettling issue of burnout in doctors -especially residents and implement preventive strategies
Keywords: Stress, Burnout, Postgraduates.
